Why Planks Are So Good For You - UpFit Training Academy
Why Planks Are So Good For You

If you workout at UpFit Academy in New York, NY, you’ll have a personalized program at group rates. We use science backed workouts that help you get fit fast. Just because we’re using the latest information, it doesn’t mean we throw out traditional workouts. In fact, many traditional exercises, like planks, are even more valued thanks to scientific investigation. What are some of the benefits of this simple, but not so easy, exercise?

What are planks and why are they in most programs.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a good workout program that doesn’t include some form of a plank. What is a plank? You start a plank by lying on your stomach, then moving until you support your body weight on your toes and elbows and holding. When doing a plank, you keep your back straight. It’s all about form. The key, unlike other exercises that opt for repetitions, is to extend the amount of time you hold that position. Another basic plank form is the side plank with all the weight on one hand or elbow and one foot. You can also do a straight arm plank where your arms are straight and the weight rests on the palms of the hands. Those three forms are often modified to create new, challenging forms.

One of the main benefits of planks is building core muscles.

Building strong core muscles is important. The core muscles are lower back muscles, hips, pelvic floor and abdominals. They help you perform daily tasks that can be as diverse as lifting or urinary continence. Planks are considered isometric exercises, which you’re contracting muscles without moving joints. They stabilize muscles. Strong core muscles boost your ability to lift, improve running, improves your ability to twist and bend side to side and strengthens you back while toning your butt.

You’ll have better posture when you do planks.

Good posture requires having a stable core. Why is good posture important? It improves breathing, helps digestion, reduces headaches, reduces back pain, reduces joint wear and tear, improves lung capacity and cardiovascular efficiency. Good posture helps you look more confident and when you do, people treat you as though you are confident. Improved posture can help reduce body aches, including TMJ and makes you look and feel younger and more energetic. You’ll improve flexibility when you do planks and that includes shoulders, collarbones, hamstrings and back muscles. That helps you avoid injuries whether they come from working out or daily tasks.

  • Doing planks can improve your metabolism. It burns tons of calories and builds muscle tissue. Planks challenge most of the muscles in the body at one time and is more effective than sit-ups or crunches.
  • You’ll notice your mood improves when you do planks. It aids in releasing stiff muscles that can occur when you don’t exercise and in doing that, helps chase away stress and boosts hormones that make you feel good.
  • Whether you do straight arm or elbow planks when you start, do it for at least a minute at a time and build. If you can’t do a plank for a full minute, make a minute your goal and work toward it gradually.

For more information, contact us today at Upfit Academy

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Christover Covill

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UpFit Training Academy delivered unprecedented results for me. Despite the setbacks from Covid, I lost 25 lbs in just 3 months training 3 days a week—unbelievable! Joining UpFit was the best decision for my mental and physical well-being. Grateful for the support of UpFit coaches and the community. Love you, UpFit fam!

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UpFit is an outstanding gym with top-notch training services. The staff’s dedication to helping you improve is truly commendable. At UpFit, you not only enhance your fitness and wellness but also gain valuable knowledge along the way.

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UpFit is highly recommended for customized, flexible workouts that maintain motivation. Unlike previous gym cycles, the positive and encouraging energy from both trainers and fellow members stands out. The focus on form and building a foundation is particularly beneficial for beginners.

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Training at UpFit for 5 years, I’ve achieved tremendous progress in strength and conditioning. The coaches are helpful, knowledgeable, and encouraging, emphasizing mental toughness and pushing limits for continuous improvement. An ideal place to start, refine, or elevate your fitness and wellness journey!

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UpFit has been a life-changing investment for my personal growth and well-being. The coaches understand my goals, tailor effective workouts, and provide valuable strategy sessions for a healthier relationship with food. Thanks to UpFit’s consistency and accountability, I’ve lost weight, toned up, gained confidence, and improved my health.

Zheng Pan

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Christover Covill

★★★★★

UpFit Training Academy delivered unprecedented results for me. Despite the setbacks from Covid, I lost 25 lbs in just 3 months training 3 days a week—unbelievable! Joining UpFit was the best decision for my mental and physical well-being. Grateful for the support of UpFit coaches and the community. Love you, UpFit fam!

P

Paul Park

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BK

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David Zheng

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UpFit is an outstanding gym with top-notch training services. The staff’s dedication to helping you improve is truly commendable. At UpFit, you not only enhance your fitness and wellness but also gain valuable knowledge along the way.

S

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UpFit is highly recommended for customized, flexible workouts that maintain motivation. Unlike previous gym cycles, the positive and encouraging energy from both trainers and fellow members stands out. The focus on form and building a foundation is particularly beneficial for beginners.

J

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Training at UpFit for a few weeks, I feel significantly stronger and more energized. It’s precisely what I needed – affordable, personalized programs, and support fitting my dynamic schedule. Love the facility, coaches, and excited to continue my fitness journey at UpFit! Highly recommend!

D

Diana You

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UpFit offers a personalized program aligning with fitness goals. Wes guided me on nutrition and lifestyle for my wedding prep. Patricia’s intense training is motivating and focused, challenging enough to push boundaries but achievable. Highly recommended!

Jessica Shirinian

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UpFit is a gym I absolutely love! It’s a safe, supportive space where trainers form personal connections, tailor challenges, and support your journey. Joining was my best decision, meeting wonderful people, being challenged, and enjoying every minute. I’ve even recommended it to a friend who joined too!

C

Cassiel Davis

★★★★★

Training at UpFit for 5 years, I’ve achieved tremendous progress in strength and conditioning. The coaches are helpful, knowledgeable, and encouraging, emphasizing mental toughness and pushing limits for continuous improvement. An ideal place to start, refine, or elevate your fitness and wellness journey!

Nicole Boonjakuakul

★★★★★

Joining UpFit was the best decision ever! Personalized workouts for micro goals yield long-term results. Going from never working out to 3x a week. Physical, mental, and emotional changes are worth every minute and dollar. UpFit is the place to understand and enjoy the fitness journey, making new friends in the supportive community.

I

Isabella Arias

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Attending Upfit Training Academy for months, I’m delighted with improved conditioning and great progress. The coaches are excellent and supportive, providing personalized workouts that match what I sought. A people-focused fitness company, highly recommended for anyone pursuing a healthier lifestyle.

T

Tracy Cox

★★★★★

oining UpFit has been a fantastic experience. The coaches provide kindness, cheerleading, and tough love, creating a supportive atmosphere. The evident expertise in fitness makes it worth signing up to push through and get back on the exercise track.

Tracy Wu

★★★★★

UpFit has been a life-changing investment for my personal growth and well-being. The coaches understand my goals, tailor effective workouts, and provide valuable strategy sessions for a healthier relationship with food. Thanks to UpFit’s consistency and accountability, I’ve lost weight, toned up, gained confidence, and improved my health.

Zheng Pan

★★★★★

New to working out at 25, I joined Upfit for general fitness. The trainers tailor workouts to individual goals, I like that there is a diverse age community. Personable, welcoming staff with excellent knowledge. Joined in July 2022, highly recommended!

Christover Covill

★★★★★

UpFit Training Academy delivered unprecedented results for me. Despite the setbacks from Covid, I lost 25 lbs in just 3 months training 3 days a week—unbelievable! Joining UpFit was the best decision for my mental and physical well-being. Grateful for the support of UpFit coaches and the community. Love you, UpFit fam!

P

Paul Park

★★★★★

Wonderful staff, great culture, a place that genuinely cares for the members at a price that makes sense for the busy New Yorker who is looking to improve their health, fitness and wellness!

B

BK

★★★★★

UpFit boasts a high level of knowledge and experience, addressing all my diet and exercise queries. They crafted a targeted plan for my goals, and through this journey, I not only achieve fitness but also understand why previous goals were elusive. Highly valuable!

D

David Zheng

★★★★★

UpFit is an outstanding gym with top-notch training services. The staff’s dedication to helping you improve is truly commendable. At UpFit, you not only enhance your fitness and wellness but also gain valuable knowledge along the way.

S

Seung Hyun Lee

★★★★★

UpFit is highly recommended for customized, flexible workouts that maintain motivation. Unlike previous gym cycles, the positive and encouraging energy from both trainers and fellow members stands out. The focus on form and building a foundation is particularly beneficial for beginners.

J

Jennifer Quinones

★★★★★

Training at UpFit for a few weeks, I feel significantly stronger and more energized. It’s precisely what I needed – affordable, personalized programs, and support fitting my dynamic schedule. Love the facility, coaches, and excited to continue my fitness journey at UpFit! Highly recommend!

D

Diana You

★★★★★

UpFit offers a personalized program aligning with fitness goals. Wes guided me on nutrition and lifestyle for my wedding prep. Patricia’s intense training is motivating and focused, challenging enough to push boundaries but achievable. Highly recommended!

Jessica Shirinian

★★★★★

UpFit is a gym I absolutely love! It’s a safe, supportive space where trainers form personal connections, tailor challenges, and support your journey. Joining was my best decision, meeting wonderful people, being challenged, and enjoying every minute. I’ve even recommended it to a friend who joined too!

C

Cassiel Davis

★★★★★

Training at UpFit for 5 years, I’ve achieved tremendous progress in strength and conditioning. The coaches are helpful, knowledgeable, and encouraging, emphasizing mental toughness and pushing limits for continuous improvement. An ideal place to start, refine, or elevate your fitness and wellness journey!

Nicole Boonjakuakul

★★★★★

Joining UpFit was the best decision ever! Personalized workouts for micro goals yield long-term results. Going from never working out to 3x a week. Physical, mental, and emotional changes are worth every minute and dollar. UpFit is the place to understand and enjoy the fitness journey, making new friends in the supportive community.

I

Isabella Arias

★★★★★

Attending Upfit Training Academy for months, I’m delighted with improved conditioning and great progress. The coaches are excellent and supportive, providing personalized workouts that match what I sought. A people-focused fitness company, highly recommended for anyone pursuing a healthier lifestyle.

T

Tracy Cox

★★★★★

oining UpFit has been a fantastic experience. The coaches provide kindness, cheerleading, and tough love, creating a supportive atmosphere. The evident expertise in fitness makes it worth signing up to push through and get back on the exercise track.

Tracy Wu

★★★★★

UpFit has been a life-changing investment for my personal growth and well-being. The coaches understand my goals, tailor effective workouts, and provide valuable strategy sessions for a healthier relationship with food. Thanks to UpFit’s consistency and accountability, I’ve lost weight, toned up, gained confidence, and improved my health.

Zheng Pan

★★★★★

New to working out at 25, I joined Upfit for general fitness. The trainers tailor workouts to individual goals, I like that there is a diverse age community. Personable, welcoming staff with excellent knowledge. Joined in July 2022, highly recommended!

Christover Covill

★★★★★

UpFit Training Academy delivered unprecedented results for me. Despite the setbacks from Covid, I lost 25 lbs in just 3 months training 3 days a week—unbelievable! Joining UpFit was the best decision for my mental and physical well-being. Grateful for the support of UpFit coaches and the community. Love you, UpFit fam!

P

Paul Park

★★★★★

Wonderful staff, great culture, a place that genuinely cares for the members at a price that makes sense for the busy New Yorker who is looking to improve their health, fitness and wellness!

B

BK

★★★★★

UpFit boasts a high level of knowledge and experience, addressing all my diet and exercise queries. They crafted a targeted plan for my goals, and through this journey, I not only achieve fitness but also understand why previous goals were elusive. Highly valuable!

D

David Zheng

★★★★★

UpFit is an outstanding gym with top-notch training services. The staff’s dedication to helping you improve is truly commendable. At UpFit, you not only enhance your fitness and wellness but also gain valuable knowledge along the way.

S

Seung Hyun Lee

★★★★★

UpFit is highly recommended for customized, flexible workouts that maintain motivation. Unlike previous gym cycles, the positive and encouraging energy from both trainers and fellow members stands out. The focus on form and building a foundation is particularly beneficial for beginners.

J

Jennifer Quinones

★★★★★

Training at UpFit for a few weeks, I feel significantly stronger and more energized. It’s precisely what I needed – affordable, personalized programs, and support fitting my dynamic schedule. Love the facility, coaches, and excited to continue my fitness journey at UpFit! Highly recommend!

D

Diana You

★★★★★

UpFit offers a personalized program aligning with fitness goals. Wes guided me on nutrition and lifestyle for my wedding prep. Patricia’s intense training is motivating and focused, challenging enough to push boundaries but achievable. Highly recommended!

Jessica Shirinian

★★★★★

UpFit is a gym I absolutely love! It’s a safe, supportive space where trainers form personal connections, tailor challenges, and support your journey. Joining was my best decision, meeting wonderful people, being challenged, and enjoying every minute. I’ve even recommended it to a friend who joined too!

C

Cassiel Davis

★★★★★

Training at UpFit for 5 years, I’ve achieved tremendous progress in strength and conditioning. The coaches are helpful, knowledgeable, and encouraging, emphasizing mental toughness and pushing limits for continuous improvement. An ideal place to start, refine, or elevate your fitness and wellness journey!

Nicole Boonjakuakul

★★★★★

Joining UpFit was the best decision ever! Personalized workouts for micro goals yield long-term results. Going from never working out to 3x a week. Physical, mental, and emotional changes are worth every minute and dollar. UpFit is the place to understand and enjoy the fitness journey, making new friends in the supportive community.

I

Isabella Arias

★★★★★

Attending Upfit Training Academy for months, I’m delighted with improved conditioning and great progress. The coaches are excellent and supportive, providing personalized workouts that match what I sought. A people-focused fitness company, highly recommended for anyone pursuing a healthier lifestyle.

T

Tracy Cox

★★★★★

oining UpFit has been a fantastic experience. The coaches provide kindness, cheerleading, and tough love, creating a supportive atmosphere. The evident expertise in fitness makes it worth signing up to push through and get back on the exercise track.

Tracy Wu

★★★★★

UpFit has been a life-changing investment for my personal growth and well-being. The coaches understand my goals, tailor effective workouts, and provide valuable strategy sessions for a healthier relationship with food. Thanks to UpFit’s consistency and accountability, I’ve lost weight, toned up, gained confidence, and improved my health.

Zheng Pan

★★★★★

New to working out at 25, I joined Upfit for general fitness. The trainers tailor workouts to individual goals, I like that there is a diverse age community. Personable, welcoming staff with excellent knowledge. Joined in July 2022, highly recommended!

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